Matrix arrangement for data processing machines



May 22, 1962 H. BETTIN 3,036,175

MATRIX ARRANGEMENT FOR DATA PROCESSING MACHINES Filed Nov. 29, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig.1

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May 22, 1962 MATRIX ARRANGEMENT FOR DATA PROCESSING MACHINES Filed NOV. 29, 1960 QhQ N s- EN .3

United States Patent 3,036,175 MATRIX ARRANGEMENT FOR DATA PROCESSING MACHINES Hubertus Bettin, Braunschweig, Germany, assignor to Olympia Werlte A.G., Wilhelrnshaven, Germany Filed Nov. 29, 1960, Ser. No. 72,419 Claims priority, application Germany Dec. 2, 1959 5 Claims. (Cl. 200-98) The present invention relates to a matrix arrangement for data processing machines, and more particularly to a storage matrix of the type including first and second crossing conductive elements respectively representing the orders and digits of numbers.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a matrix which requires little space, reliably operates, and consists of few simple parts which can be inexpensively manufactured by stamping operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a matrix arrangement in which a matrix is moved between a first position for receiving data to be stored, a second position for being cleared, and an intermediate neutral position.

Another object of the present invention is to arrest the matrix in the neutral position, and to provide means for releasing the matrix when the same is shifted to the data storing position or to the clearing position.

With these objects in view, a storage matrix according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a set of first conductive elements, preferably U-shaped channels-having openings in the web thereof and slots in the leg portions thereof; insulating means, for example insulating plates, disposed between adjacent conductive channels to insulate the same from each other; a set of second conductive elements extending transversely to the channels and being supported by the insulating plates, for example in cutouts of the same; and a plurality of switch means for connecting each channel to all second conductive elements.

Each switch means includes a contact spring resiliently guided in a pair of slots in the leg portions of the respective channel for movement between two positions. In one position, the contact spring engages the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the channel in whose slots the contact spring resiliently slides.

The cross section of the second conductive elements is smaller than the area of the openings in the webs of the channels so that there is no contact between the channels and the conductive elements and all connections are obtained by the contact springs.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each contact spring includes two leaf springs, one of which is highly conductive, the two leaf springs being connected by a silver rivet whose head constitutes a contact portion.

The webs of the channels, and the insulating plates are preferably provided with aligned holes in which stop members are mounted. The stop members engage the rivet heads to stop the contact springs in a position in which the respective channel is disconnected from the respective second conductive element.

A matrix arrangement according to the present invenrtion includes means for shifting the matrix parallel to itself to a first position in which the ends of the contact springs engage control means which by the position thereof represent orders and digits. By engagement with the control means, selected contact springs are shifted to the connecting position so that the number represented by the control means is stored in the matrix. The matrix can also be shifted to another position in which all contact springs engage a clearing plate so that all contact springs are shifted from the connecting position to the disconnecting position whereby the matrix is cleared.

According to the present invention, arresting means are provided for arresting the matrix in neutral position, and when the matrix is shifted, the arresting means are released. However, when the matrix returns to the neutral position, the arresting means automatically arrest the matrix in the neutral position so that it cannot be accidentally displaced.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a part of the matrix, with portions shown broken away for the sake of clearity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a portion of the matrix with certain parts omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken on line 3--3 in FIG. 1;

FIG, 4 is a fragmentary side view, pantially in section, illustrating a matrix arrangement according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the matrix arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, the matrix comprises a set of first conductive elements in the form of channels 1 of U-shaped cross section. Each channel 1 has a set of longitudinally spaced openings 2, and a second set of holes 8 which are substantially aligned with the openings 2. The legs of channels 1 have longitudinally spaced slots 11, each pair of slots 11 being correlated to one of the openings 2. A pair of superimposed plates 4 and 5 is arranged between each pair of adjacent channels 1. Plates 4 are made of insulating material and directly abut the edges of the leg portions of channels 1.

Each insulating plate 4 has a set of longitudinally spaced cutouts 6, shown to be of angular configuration, and being located opposite a correlated opening 2 in the web of the respective channel 1. Another set of holes 8a is provided in each insulating plate 4, holes So being respectively aligned with the holes 8 in the channels. Holes 8 and 8a are of rectangular configuration.

The outer plates 5 have only one set of holes 7 of angular configuration respectively aligned with the cutouts 6 in plate 4. Consequently, holes a are covered by plate 5.

A set of stop members 10 is disposed between each channel 1 and plate 4, the stop members being crossshaped plates having portions projecting into holes 8 and 8a, respectively so that the stop members are supported on the respective channel 1 and on the respective insulating plate 4. Each stop member has a head or stop projection 9, which is preferably a curved portion of the plate formed by a stamping operation. The vertical portions of stop members 10 space the insulating plates from the channels.

Stop members 10 may be constructed of metal or of insulating material. When stop members 10' are constructed of metal, plate 5 is made of insulating material and prevents contact between stop members 10 and the channel 1 located on the other side of the insulating plate 4. If stop members are made of insulating material, plate 5 may be omitted.

A set of second conductive elements in the form of L-shaped sections 3 passes transversely through aligned openings 2 in channels 1 and through the respective aligned angular cutouts 6 in the insulating plates 4. The cross section of elements 3 matches the cross section of cutouts 6 so that elements 3 are firmly supported on the insulating plates 4 in a position in which they are spaced from the edges bounding the rectangular openings 2 so that all conductive elements 3 are spaced and insulated from the conductive channels 1.

All channels 1 are held together by insulated bolt means which pass through corresponding openings in the webs of the channels 1 and openings 15a in plates 4 and 5. Insulating spacing rings 15b-are provided between adjacent channel webs.

Terminals 23 are secured to each channel and may be held by means projecting into bores in insulating plates 4 and *5. Terminals 24 are secured to each of the conductive elements 3, as shown in FIG. 3.

in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductive channels 1 respectively represent orders of a number, and the, conductive elements 3 respectively represent the digits. Consequently, each crossing point between a channel 1 and a conductive element 3 represents a digit in an order. A switch means is disposed at each crossing point, and includes a contact spring made of two superimposed leaf springs 12 and 13 connected by a silver rivet 14 whose head projects across the edge of the respective conductive element 3. The stop projection 9 of the respective stop member 10 is aligned with the head of rivet 14 so that the contact spring can be shifted between the position illustrated in FIG. 2 in which the head abuts the conductive element 3 and another position in which the head abuts the stop projection 9.

Leaf spring 12 is made of a highly conductive material, and since the head of rivet 14 abuts stop member 10, the highly conductive leaf spring 12 is urged against the edges of slots 11, and an electric connection is established be tween the respective channel 1 through leaf spring 12 and rivet 14 when the latter abuts the conductive element 3. Since stop member 10 is spaced and insulated'from the conductive element 3, it has the same potential as the respective channel 1 and contact spring 12, 13 when the contact portion of the rivet 14 is spaced from the respective conductive element 3.

The ends of all contact springs 12, 13 project beyond the leg portions of the channels 1 and are located in parallel planes. Consequently, when the entire matrix is lowered, all contact springs 12, 13 can be simultaneously pushed in upward direction as viewed 'in the drawing to' a position in which the contact portions of the rivet 14 abut the stop projections 9 so that all channels 1 are disconnected from all conductive elements 3. In this position, the matrix is cleared.

When selected. contact springs 12, 13 are downwardly shifted from this disconnected position to the connecting.

position shown in FIG. 2, an electric connection is established between selected channels representing orders and selected conductive elements 3 representing digits so that a shifted contact member 12, 13, 14 represents a selected digit and order.

A matrix arrangement for storing numbers in the matrix, and for clearing stored numbers, is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The matrix M is pivotally connected at the ends thereof to a pair of double-armed lever means 30. Ends of lever means respectively located above and below the matrix are connected by pivot means to link means 31. These ends are also articulated to levers 16a which are secured by pivot means 16b to the frame of the machine. The other ends of lever means 39 are respectively pivotally connected to angular levers 16 having other ends pivotally mounted on fixed pivot pins 16c. The'arcs between the arms of levers 16 in the schematic showing of FIG. 5 indicate the rigid connection between the arms. A pivot means 16d connects each angular lever 16 with a double-armed lever 16c whose center is connected to a link 19, and 19', respectively connected to a clearing magnet and to a storing magnet. The respective other ends of levers 16e are pivotally connected to stop levers 21 which are mounted for turning movement about fixed pivots 21a. The end of each stop levers 21 is located opposite the end of an arresting lever 17 which is turnable about a pivot means 17a, and has a transverse bracket 18 whichcoopcrates with a projecting portion 20 on each of links 19 and 19. An insulated clearing plate 22 is located below the matrix M and cooperates with the lower ends of the contact springs 12,13 as shown in FIG. 4. A gear 26 is provided for each order in the counter mechanism of the machine, and meshes with a gear 27 which meshes with a rack bar 28. The rack bars 28 of the several orders of the machine are respectively located above channels 1 and have control portions 29 which move along the respective channel of the respective order. When gear 26 of the counter mechanism in any order assumes a position representing a digit, control portion 29 is shifted along the respective channel 1 until it is located above the contact spring 12, '13 associated with the respective conductive element 3 which represents the respective digit.

When the electromagnetic means S, which controls the storing operation, is energized, link 19' is pulled to the right as viewed in the drawing, and projectionZtl engages bracket 18 so that lever 17 is shifted to a position in which its end is no longer located opposite lever 21. Link 19 also acts on lever 162 'so that the cross linkage 16, 16a is displaced and the matrix M assumes the position M, while link 31 assumes the position 31' as shown in broken lines in FIG. 5. Consequently, the matrix is displaced parallel to itself to a higher position in which contact springs 12, 13 located opposite a control portion 29 are pushed down from the inoperative position in which the contact portion 14 thereof engages stop projection 9 of stop member 10 to the connecting position in which the contact portion abuts the respective conduct element 3, as explained with reference to FIG 2. In this manner, displaced contact springs represent selected digits in selected orders corresponding to the position of the counter mechanism. I I

When it is desired to clear the matrix, the cleaning magnet C is energized, the respective link 19 is pulled to the left as viewed in the drawing, projection 20 displaces through bracket 18 the respective arresting lever 17 so that lever 21 on the left side of the drawing is free to move to the left under. the pull of link 19 so that the matrix M assumes a lower position in which those contact springs 12, 13 which are in the lower connecting position engage the clearing plate 22 and are pushed back to the upper position in which the contact portion of rivet 14 abuts projection 9 of stop member 10. Since plate 22 engages all previously displaced contact springs storing digits, the entire matrix is cleared.

The arresting means 17, 21 arrest the matrix in the neutral position, and the electromagnetic means S and C first release such arresting means before shifting the matrix to the storing and clearing positions, respectively.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of matrix arrangements differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a matrix composed of channels, insulating plates, transverse angular sections, and contact springs, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications Without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic-or specific aspects of this invention and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended with the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A storage matrix, comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated conductive elements, each conductive element having two legs portions and a Web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; insulating means disposed between said first conductive elements; a set of second clongated conductive elements extending transversely to said first elements and being supported by said insulating means to pass through said openings of each of said first conductive elements, respectively, so that contact portions of said second conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said first conductive elements, the cross section of said second conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said second conductive elements are spaced from said first conductive elements in said openings; and a plurality of switch means for respectively connecting each first conductive element to all second conductive elements, each switch means including a contact member electrically connected to the respective first conductive element and guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective first conductive element for movement between a disconnecting position, and a connecting position engaging said contact portion of the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the respective first element.

2. A storage matrix, comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated conductive elements, each conductive element having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; insulating means disposed between said first conductive elements; a set of second elongated conductive elements extending transversely to said first elements and being supported by said insulating means to pass through said opening of each of said first conductive elements, respectively, so that contact portions of said second conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said first conductive elements, the cross section of said second conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said second conductive elements are spaced from said first conductive elements in said openings; and a plurality of switch means for respectively connecting each first conductive element to all second conductive elements, each switch means including a contact spring electrically connected to the respective first conductive element, each contact spring including a pair of superimposed leaf springs, and a highly conductive rivet connecting said leaf springs and having a projecting head, said contact spring being guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective first conductive element for movement between a disconnecting position, and a connecting position in which said head engages said contact portion of the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the respective first element.

3. A storage matrix, comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated conductive elements, each conductive element having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said Web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; insulating means disposed between said first conductive elements; a set of second elongated conductive elements extending transversely to said first elements and being supported by said insulating means to pass through said openings of each of said first conductive elements, respectively, so that contact portions of said second conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said first conductive elements, the cross section of said second conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said second conductive elements are spaced from said first conductive elements in said openings; a plurality of switch means for respectively connecting each first conductive element to all second conductive elements, each switch means including a contact member electrically connected to the respective first conductive element and guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective first conductive element for movement between a disconnecting position, and a connecting position engaging said contact portion of the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the respective first element; and bolt means passing through said first conductive elements for mechanically connecting the same to each other, and being insulated from said first and second conductive elements.

4. A storage matrix arrangement, comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated conductive elements, each conductive element having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; insulating means disposed between said first conductive elements; a set of second elongated conductive elements extending transversely to said first elements and being supported by said insulating means to pass through said openings of each of said first conductive elements, respectively, so that contact portions of said second conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said first conductive elements, the cross section of said second conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said second conductive elements are spaced from said first conductive elements in said openings; a plurality of switch means for respectively connecting each first conductive element to all second conductive elements, each switch means including a contact member electrically connected to the respective first conductive element and guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective first conductive element for movement between a disconnecting position, and a connecting position engaging said contact portion of the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the respective first element, each contact member having end portions projecting beyond said leg portions and located in parallel planes; means for mechanically connecting said first and second conductive elements so that the same form a rigid matrix; and means for supporting said matrix for movement parallel to itself and transverse to said planes between a first position in which one set of end portions of said contact members are adapted to engage control means for being shifted to said connecting position, and a second position in which the other set of end portions of said contact members are adapted to engage clearing means for being shifted to said disconnecting position.

5. A storage matrix arrangement, comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated conductive elements, each conductive element having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; insulating means disposed between said first conductive elements; a set of second elongated conductive elements extending transversely to said first elements and being supported by saidinsulating means to pass through said openings of each of said first conductive elements, respectively, so that contact portions of said second conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said first conductive elements, the cross section of said second conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so. that said second conductive elements are spaced from said first conductive elements in said openings; a plurality of' switch means for respectively connecting each first conductive element to all second conductive elements, each switch means including a contact member electrically connected to the respective first conductive element and guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective first conductive element for movement between a disconnecting position, and a connecting position engaging said contact portion or the respective second conductive element for connecting the same to the respective first element, each contact means having end portions projecting beyond said leg portions and located in parallel planes; means for mechanically connecting said first end second conductive elements so that the same form a rigid matrix; means for supporting said matrix for movement parallel to itself and transverse to said planes between a first position in which one set of end portions of said contact members are adapted to engage control means for being shifted to said connecting position, and a second position in.

which the other set of end portions of said contact members are adapted to engage clearing means for being shifted to said disconnecting position; arresting means for arresting the matrix in a neutral position intermediate said first and second positions; and operating means for shifting the matrix to and from said first and second positions and being operatively connected tosaid arresting means for releasing the same.

6. An arrangement as set forth in claim wherein said operating means include a first electro-magnetic means for shifting the matrix to said first position, and a second electro-magnetic means for shifting the matrix to saidv second position. 7

7. A storage matrix comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated parallel conductive channels of U- shaped cross section, each conductive channel having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; a set of elongated insulating plates respectively disposed between said first conductive channels to insulate the same from each other and abutting said leg portions of one of the adjacent first conductive channels, each of said insulating plates being formed with a set of. longitudinally spaced cutouts respectively aligned with said openings in said webs of said channels and being smaller than said openings; a set of elongated parallel conductive elements extending transversely to said channels and passing, respectively, through aligned openings in said channels and cutouts in said insulating plates so that contact portions of said conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said channels, and between said webs and said insulating plates, the cross sections of said conductive elements being smaller thanthe area of said openings so that said conductive elements are spaced from said channels in said openings, and matching said cutouts so that said conductive elements are supported on said insulating plates; and a plurality of contact members for respectively connecting each channel to all conductive elements, each contact member including a contact spring resiliently guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective channel so as to be electrically connected to the same, each contact spring crossing one of said conductive elements and being located closely spaced from the same, each contact member including a projecting contact part on said contact spring, said contact springs being movable in said slots between a disconnecting position in which said projecting contact part is spaced from the respective conductive element and a connecting position in which said contact part abuts the respective conductive element so that the same is connected to the respective channel.

' 8. A matrix as set forth in claim 7 wherein said conductive elements have an L-shaped cross section.

9. A storage matrix comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated parallel conductive channels of U- shaped cross section, each conductive channel having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings and with a set of longitudinally spaced holes in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; 21 set of elongated insulating plates respectively disposed between said first conductive channels to insulate the same from each other and abutting said leg portions of one of the adjacent first conductive channels, each of said. insulating plates being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced cutouts respectively aligned \m'th said openings in said websv of said channels and being smaller than said openings, and with a set of longitudinally spaced holes respectively aligned with said holes in said'channels; a

set: of stop members disposed between each channel and each insulating plate, each stop member having portions located and supported in a pair of said holes in the respective channel and in the respective insulating plate; a

set of elongated parallel conductive elements extending,

conductive elements are spaced from said channels in said openings, and matching said cutouts so that said conductive elements are supported on said insulating plates; and a plurality of contact members for respectively connecting each channel to all conductive elements, each contact member including a contact spring resiliently guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective channel so as to be electrically connected to the same, each contact spring crossing one. of said conductive elements and being located closely spaced from the same, each contact member including. a projecting contact part on said contact spring, said contact springs being movable in said, slots between'a disconnecting position in which said projecting contact part is spaced from the respective conductive element and abuts the respective stop member and a connecting position in which said contact part abuts the respective conductive element so that the same is connectedto the respective channel.

10. A matrix as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of said stop members has a stop projection engaged by said contact part in said disconnecting position.

11. A matrix'as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said stop member is-a cross-shaped plate, said projection being a curved portion of said cross-shaped plate.

12. A matrix as set forth in claim 10 including a silver rivet passing through said contact spring and having a head forming said contact projection.

13. A matrix as set forth in claim 9 and including. a set of other elongated plates respectively superimposed on said insulating plate, each other plate having a setof longitudinally spaced holes coinciding with said cutouts and having an area at least asgreat as the. area of said cutouts, said other plates covering said holes in said insulating plates, said stop-members being made of metal.

14. A storage matrix arrangement comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated parallel conductive channels of- U-shaped cross section, each conductive channel having two leg portions and a web and being formed witha set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; a set of elongated insulating plates respectively disposed between said first conductive channels to insulate the same from each other and abutting said leg portions of one of the adjacent first conductive channels, each of said insulating plates being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced cutouts respectively aligned with said openings in said webs of said channels and being smaller than said. openings; a set of elongated parallel conductive elements extending transversely to said channels and passing, respectively, through aligned openings in said channels and cutouts in said insulating plates so that contact portions of said conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said channels, and

between said webs and said insulating, plates, the cross.

sections of said conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said conductive elements are spaced from said channels in said openings, and matching said cutouts so that said conductive elements are supported on said insulating plates; and a plurality of contact members for respectively connecting each channel to all conductive elements, each contact member including a contact spring resiliently guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective channel so as to be electrically connected to the same, each contact spring crossing one of said conductive elements and being located closely spaced from the same, each contact member including a projecting contact part on said contact spring, said contact springs being movable in said slots between a disconnecting position in which said projecting contact part is spaced 'from the respective conductive element and a connecting position in which said contact part abuts the respective conductive element so that the same is connected to the respective channel, each contact spring having end portions projecting beyond said leg portions and located in parallel planes; means for mechanically connecting said first and second conductive elements so that the same form a rigid matrix; and means for supporting said matrix for movement parallel to itself and transverse to said planes between a first position in which one set of end portions of said contact springs are adapted to engage control means for being shifted to said connecting position, and a second position in which the other set of end portions of said contact springs are adapted to engage clearing means for being shifted to said disconnecting position.

15. A storage matrix arrangement comprising, in combination, a set of first elongated parallel conductive channels of U-shaped cross section, each conductive channel having two leg portions and a web and being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced openings in said web and with a set of longitudinally spaced slots in each of said leg portions; a set of elongated insulating plates respectively disposed between :said first conductive channels to insulate the same from each other and abutting said leg portions of one of the adjacent first conductive channels, each of said insulating plates being formed with a set of longitudinally spaced cutouts respectively aligned with said openings in said webs of said channels and being smaller than said openings; a set of elongated parallel conductive elements extending transversely to said channels and passing, respectively, through aligned openings in said channels and cutouts in said insulating plates so that contact portions of said conductive elements are located between said leg portions of said channels, and between said webs and said insulating plates, the cross sections of said conductive elements being smaller than the area of said openings so that said conductive elements are spaced from said channels in said openings, and matching said cutouts so that said conductive elements are supported on said insulating plates; and a plurality of contact members for respectively connecting each channel to all conductive elements, each contact member including a contact spring resiliently guided in a pair of slots in said leg portions of the respective channel so as to be electrically connected to the same, each contact spring crossing one of said conductive elements and being located closely spaced from the same, each contact member including a projecting contact part on said contact spring, said contact springs being movable in said slots between a disconnecting position in which said projecting contact part is spaced from the respective conductive element and a connecting position in which said contact part abuts the respective conductive element so that the same is connected to the respective channel, each contact spring having end portions projecting beyond said leg portions and located in parallel planes; means: for mechanically connecting said first and second conductive elements so that the same form a rigid matrix; means for supporting said matrix for movement parallel to itself and transverse to said planes between a first position in which one set of end portions of said contact springs are adapted to engage control means for being shifted to said connecting position, and a second position in which the other set of end portions of said contact springs are adapted to engage clearing means for being shifted to said disconnecting position; anresting means for arresting the matrix in a neutral position intermediate said first and second positions; and operating means for shifting the matrix to and from said first and second positions and being operatively connected to said arresting means for releasing the same.

No references cited. 

